International Freedom of Religion or Belief Bill (Money)

Nusrat Ghani Excerpts

Monday 22nd April 2024 Commons Chamber

[The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Ms Nusrat Ghani)]

The hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) raises some very important points. He will know, having seen the Bill pass through so many stages, that all the resources are in place. The Public Bill Committee is sitting on Wednesday and I will be taking the Bill forward. I am absolutely committed to the role and to providing the support services to enable the role to continue for as long as it can.

The language that we have used establishes this role permanently and in perpetuity. The recommendation comes on the back of the Bishop of Truro’s 2019 independent review into the work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the freedom of religion or belief brief. Furthermore, the implementation is also a manifesto commitment, so we can be absolutely sure that the support will be provided.

Question put and agreed to.